Nitrogen Fixation: Mechanisms and Importance

This lecture covers the process of nitrogen fixation, where organisms capture nitrogen from the atmosphere to incorporate it into biomass. It explains the complex interplay of microbial processes involved in nitrogen fixation, emphasizing the importance of anoxic conditions. The lecture also delves into the energy-intensive activation of the stable N2 molecule, the catalytic role of the nitrogenase enzyme, and the electron transfer steps required for nitrogen fixation. Furthermore, it explores the different strategies employed by organisms, such as cyanobacteria, to deal with oxygen toxicity during nitrogen fixation.